Rock Star Supernova, the supergroup formed by CBS for the reality show Rock Star, has been dealt yet another setback. Bassist Jason Newsted has suffered a major shoulder injury, according to a statement from the band.

Supernova

The injury, which will sideline the former Metallica bassist for up to nine months, comes less than a month before the band is set to release its debut album.

Newsted will require immediate surgery after tearing his left bicep and rotator cuff while trying to catch a bass that had fallen off an amplifier, the band said.

"I'm freaking out," Newsted said in a statement. "My heart was set on finally getting on the road with these guys, but my main focus now is to build myself back to 100 percent. The stage is set for the band, I wish them the best of luck."

The band, which also featured drummer Tommy Lee, guitarist Gilby Clarke, and vocalist Lukas Rossi, who won the Rock Star show, still plans to release its debut album November 21. The band will kick off its first tour December 31 in Las Vegas; the search for a replacement for Newsted is already under way.

"When we started this project, I was handed a list of names--guys who could potentially anchor our rhythm section," Lee said in a statement. "I responded by crumpling up the paper and asking, 'Where's Newsted?' Jason was always the right guy for this band and we'll miss having him with us as we kick off our album and tour, but we know he'll be back as soon as he can pick up and play."

Rock Star Supernova was initially called Supernova but chaged the name because a Southern California band of the same name sued the band and CBS for trademark infringement, and a judge issued an injunction forcing the band to change its name.